In the US, coronavirus has caused over 40,000 deaths as of April 21, 2020, the highest percentage of whom are over the age of 65. The risks of coronavirus have impacted one particular group the hardest: patients of long-term care facilities. The level of care provided isn’t the problem; it’s the unique setting and medical statuses of the residents that pose the biggest risk.

Typically, residents of these facilities tend to be an older demographic with underlying medical conditions who live in shared living spaces. This particular combination of factors makes residents of rehabilitation centers highly susceptible to risk.

Let’s take a closer look at the risk factors for coronavirus and how to keep your family members safe.

Who’s at the highest risk for COVID-19?

There are two factors that impact your risk for COVID-19: The risk of exposure and the risk of severe illness.

Highest risk of exposure

Those at the highest risk of being exposed to the virus are people who are in close contact with others who have the virus, such as healthcare workers, men and women in long-term care facilities, travelers, and travel-related workers. The more people you come into contact with, especially without taking proper precautions, the higher your risk of exposure.

Communities in every state have been affected, and anyone of any age can be infected. It’s helpful to assume the virus is in your community and to act accordingly.

Highest risk for severe illness

If you contract the virus, there’s no way to tell how it will affect you. People of every age have reactions that range from asymptomatic to deadly.

COVID-19 also has a higher mortality rate than the flu and other viral diseases. Seniors and those with chronic conditions are at a higher risk than the general population due to the following: immune function decline, vulnerability to complications, and close contact with other people.

If you have lower immune function, then your body can’t fight against viruses as well as a healthy immune system can. You may be more susceptible to getting sick and experiencing complications from sickness.

Comorbid conditions further complicate matters. Asthma, COPD and other lung conditions, for example, are already associated with decreased lung function and breathing difficulties. The coronavirus can further exacerbate those breathing problems as it invades the respiratory system.

Adults with heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions are also at higher risk for developing severe illness from the virus. These conditions may interfere with your body’s ability to overcome coronavirus.

Increased social interaction

We know now that close contact with other people contributes to the spread of coronavirus. If you think about the living situation at a long-term care facility, you can see how shared living areas, communal activities, and close contact among residents can create an environment where a contagious virus like COVID-19 can spread easily.

How we at Rehab Select are protecting your loved one

It’s important for all inpatient facilities to take extreme cautionary measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. We are taking care to be responsive to the changing protocols to reduce risk for our residents.

Despite the latest developments, quality of care and access to appropriate healthcare and resources will not be compromised. We are coming up with clever ways to keep residents engaged and mentally stimulated while protecting their health such as Spirit Week, “Staying Alive” videos, and a family parade.

How you can protect your loved ones during inpatient rehabilitation

It’s important that we all do our part together to protect ourselves, our families, community members, and everyone else. The responsible response is to limit exposure by staying home and finding other ways to connect to protect those at most risk.

Social distancing and Stay at Home orders are the most effective tools we have right now to provide the best possible outcome for everyone, especially those most vulnerable. Although these restrictions may leave you unable to visit your loved ones in inpatient care, you might feel reassured knowing that they have 24-hour access to our qualified, compassionate healthcare.

It’s also important to remember that this abnormal situation is only temporary and that everyone is experiencing this together. You will be together again.

If you’d like to read more about Rehab Select, find out what our patients have to say. To learn more about long-term care in Alabama, download our comprehensive guide that outlines vital information for how to make an informed choice when selecting the best care for your loved one.